The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, D.C., presented the ISRI Lifetime Achievement Award to Arnold Gene Gachman, president of Gachman Metals and Recycling Company of Fort Worth, Texas, April 11, 2013, at the ISRI Convention & Exposition in Orlando, Fla.

“Throughout his career, Arnold Gachman has proven to not only be a wonderful leader for the scrap recycling industry, but his generosity, ability to teach others and willingness to learn have helped set our industry’s course for decades to come,” said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “We are proud to present Arnold with ISRI’s Lifetime Achievement Award for all he has and continues to accomplish for our industry and his community.”

At age 27, Gachman was named general manager of the family business, Gachman Metals (later Gachman Metals and Recycling Co.), and five years later, in 1974, he became its president. Industry colleagues soon enlisted him to serve in leadership roles in the Gulf Coast Chapter of the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel (ISIS), a predecessor to ISRI, and later as national secretary of ISIS in 1984. He also was active in the National Association of Recycling Industries (NARI), which gave him unique qualifications for leadership when the two organizations merged in 1987 to form ISRI. In 1992, Gachman became ISRI’s third president.

“I was fortunate enough to have the influence of many people that helped guide me and make me a better person and professional,” Gachman said. “That is one of the many benefits of ISRI. It is the relationships that are formed, from large operations with great business practices to those that are just starting out and learning the industry; and from those of us who have spent decades learning to those just starting out.” He added, “It is up to those who are more experienced to mentor and build future leaders and to encourage all levels of involvement, from serving as national officers to outreach in local communities. The work of today’s young leaders and those to come will be the most critical in moving ISRI forward, and increasing its visibility and effectiveness in handling the issues it will face.”

A life-long resident of Fort Worth, Gachman supports Congregation Avahath Sholom and All Saints Health Foundation. He also builds public service into his business by giving tours of his facility and operating a public buyback center.

In August, Arnold and his wife, Harriette, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They are parents to son Irik and daughter Lesha, who have given them five grandchildren: Lexi and Jordan; and Ben, Gabbie and Kellie Ann.